When the school year ends, and the out-of-office messages are non-stop, what better time to indulge your sense of adventure?
Visiting Europe is the ideal summer holiday destination thanks to the ease of traveling between multiple locations, all offering their own unique experiences.
From the historic castles of Scotland to the crystal blue waters of Croatia, whether you enjoy a dip in the ocean, a retreat to the countryside or a holiday filled with historic locations, you will have countless options from which to choose.
And to make your trip even easier, buy Euros with S Money before you depart, allowing you to hit the ground running on arrival.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Summer Holiday Destination
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It has been nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. And when you first see the ancient stone walls decorated with orange-tiled roofs and the crystal blue waters of Dubrovnik, it will take no time to understand its legacy.
Chosen as a shooting location for Game of Thronesyou can enjoy this Croatian gem by climbing Mount Srd or taking the popular day cruises to the Elafiti Islands.
Along with the breathtaking views is a delicious array of local restaurants to soak up the entire experience. If the crowds are not your scene, choose to visit at the beginning or end of high season, from May to September.
Skåne, Sweden
The southernmost areas of Sweden rarely get the attention it deserves. However, the beautiful city of Skåne is worth the visit.
From the city’s charm to the sprawling lakes, wineries and coastal towns interspersed with lush countryside, your only difficulty will be deciding where to start.
You can head south to the beach huts and grass dunes of the Skanör-Falsterbo peninsula or trek north to the seaside town of Mölle, where the Grand Hotel Mölle overlooks pebble beaches and the stunning Kullaberg Nature Reserve, complete with exciting lighthouse hikes.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Summer Holiday Destinations
Summer in Edinburgh is like a scene out of a storybook.
While you won’t be melting under the sun, as temperatures rarely get higher than 20 degrees Celsius, the weather makes it easy to spend a full day exploring the city and its endless tourist attractions.
The famous Edinburgh Castle is a must-see, especially when the sun is shining. As a towering icon over the city, it is easily considered one of the top sites to visit in the whole of Scotland.
While climbing the hill to the castle, you can admire the blossoming vegetation and surrounding gardens.
June, July and August are the best months to visit, where you can picnic in the best parks, people watch outside the many charming cafes or window shops along the old shopping streets.
Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein, a Belle Epoque Austrian ski and mineral spa town, has been a year-round favorite for many years.
Just 90 mins by train from Salzburg, it’s easy to see why many are drawn to the faded pastel grand buildings and revamped public spaces as a Summer Holiday Destination.
The destination hosts buildings like the revamped Hotel Excelsior, where Freud conducted in-person psychosexual research, and the Miramonte, a former 1950s bank that was turned into a hub for artists.
But nothing beats the exquisite health resort Comodo. It boasts 70 rooms, a spa, a tiled pool offering picturesque views of mountains, a cinema and a farm-to-table restaurant.
Lisbon, Portugal
No European vacation can be completed without a visit to Lisbon. Whether you choose to spend one day or one week in this sunny coastal city, the locals will welcome you with enthusiasm and generosity.
Known as the city of seven hills, be sure to pack a decent pair of walking shoes, as exploring the city and accessing many parts of it including walking up and down multiple hills.
But never fear; hop-on-hop-off buses and trolleys are available to give you a well-deserved break.
Salento, Italy – Summer Holiday Destination
For a proper Italian escape, put the extra effort in to visit Salento, located all the way at the bottom of the heel. This slice of paradise offers a patchwork version of the best aspects of Italy in one location.
From the plunging cliffs along the west coast to the southernmost Santa Maria di Leuca, home to gargoyles and limestone columns, it is a destination of olive groves and cliff jumping.
Accommodation options include a nine-bedroom, 19th-century townhouse or a seven-bedroom, low-slung villa filled with arches and antiques.
Timisoara, Romania
Often referred to as Little Vienna, Timişoara is home to grand Secessionist buildings and a clever circular city centre.
While it may not have the same glossy appeal as the Austrian capital, this rugged and homely feel is precisely what makes it perfect.
Despite being the location of the first electric street lights, at no point does it feel like a tourist trap. Instead, this student town holds an air of optimism and whimsy, with many bars, clubs and museums offering a well-rounded impression of this magical city.
Also, be sure to check out the calendar for multiple festivals, operas and ballet performances to attend.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland may not be the first location that comes to mind when deciding on a summer holiday destination, but you will do yourself an injustice without considering it.
Made famous by the magical Northern Lights that grace the skies come winter, Iceland during summer offers endless sunshine. And by endless, it is never-ending from mid-April to mid-August.
Reykjavik hosts excellent hiking trails and overlooks, endless fields of green and yellow flowers, the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon and perfect summer temperatures.
In addition to what mother-nature has to offer, the city itself has quaint shops and restaurants, a stunning concrete church and a Perlan dome, offering 360 views of the entire area.
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Italy and Croatia cruise on board P&O Cruises Ventura
Our Iceland family holiday